COP20 agreement sets stage for continued climate discussions

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Published: 15 December 2014

The United Nations COP20 climate summit came to a close in Lima, Peru on December 14th, 2014. The two-week summit served as a forum for developed and developing nations from around the world to lay out the groundwork for developing a new, binding climate pact at next year’s COP21 summit in Paris. The conclusion of these discussions led to limited developments, establishing the elements of a new global climate deal without setting any fixed targets or goals.

The “Lima Call for Climate Action” committed all countries to pledge action on climate change, while wealthy countries agreed to support developing countries fight climate change through investments in clean technology and climate aid, and financial aid for those countries already suffering the damages brought on by climate change.

The most significant development to come out of the Lima talks shifted the balance of responsibility for the effects of climate change from previous agreements which had laid the brunt of the responsibility on developed nations. Instead, the Lima agreement sees all nations commit to contribute to the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change.

World leaders and climate experts remain optimistic for next year’s summit in Paris and the potential for establishing significant, new commitments and fixing specific targets and measures for countries.

Programs

A research project conducted by the Universities of Turku and Tampere which aims to form a new conceptual framework which will help shape the collective identity and common vision necessary to realize the future low-carbon and sustainability targets.

An action learning and research project conducted by Aalto University and the University of Tampere which aimed to form a better understanding of the architectural requirements for successful innovation projects.